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Lalon sketch by Jyotirindranath Tagore Photo sourced from Wikimedia

Top 10 Sensational Facts about Lalon

Lalon who was born in 1772, also known as Lalon Sain, Lalon Fakir, Guruji, Sainji and titled Fakir, Shah, was a prominent Bengali spiritual leader, philosopher, Baul saint, mystic poet and social reformer.Regarded as an icon of Bengali culture.

Lalon’s philosophy of humanity rejects all distinctions of caste, class, and creed and takes stand against theological conflicts and racism.He is also one of the most influential person in the industry. Lets take a look at some of the most sensational facts about him;

1.His birth date, place and time is not known exactly

It is not known exactly when , where and how Lalon was born. Lalon also had no formal education.He contracted smallpox and was abandoned by his companions on the banks of the Kaliganga River. Malam Shah and his wife Matijan, members of the weaver community in a Muslim-populated village, Cheuriya, found him faint and took him to their home to convalesce.

While he was growing up, he found his mentor Siraj Sain, a Baul saint of that village.Lalon lived within the zamindari of the Tagores in Kushtia and had visited the Tagore family.It is said that zamindar Jyotirindranath Tagore sketched the only portrait of Lalon in 1889 in his houseboat on the river Padma

2.Lalon composed numerous songs and poems

Lalon composed numerous songs and poems, which describe his philosophy. It is estimated that Lalon composed about 2,000–10,000 songs, of which only about 800 songs are generally considered authentic.Lalon left no written copies of his songs, which were transmitted orally and only later transcribed by his followers.

Also, most of his followers could not read or write either, so few of his songs are found in written form.His most popular songs include; Shob Loke Koy Lalon Ki Jat Shongshare, Khachar Bhitor Ochin Pakhi kyamne ashe jaay,Jat Gelo Jat Gelo Bole,Dekhna Mon Jhokmariay Duniyadari and Pare Loye Jao Ama. 

3.He inspired and influenced many philosophers, poets and social thinkers

He inspired and influenced many philosophers, poets and social thinkers including Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam and Allen Ginsberg.Rabindranath Tagore published some of the Lalon song in the monthly Prabasi magazine of Kolkata. 

Songs of Lalon were mainly confined to the baul sects. After the independence of Bangladesh, they reached the urban people through established singers. Many of them started using instruments other than the ektara and baya. Some started using classical bases for a polished presentation to appeal to the senses of the urban masses.

4.He has received several honors even in his death

Lalon Shah Bridge in Bangladesh over the river Padma, situated at Ishwardi Upazila of Pabna Photo by Shariful iea

He has received several honors even in his death including;The Lalon Shah Bridge crossing the Padma River was named after him in 2004.A male student’s dormitory in Islamic University, Bangladesh at Kushtia is named after him as Lalon Shah Hall.

In 1963, a mausoleum and research centre were built at the site of his shrine in Kushtia, Bangladesh. Thousands of people come to the shrine (known in Bengali as an Akhra) twice a year, at Dol Purnima in the month of Falgun (February to March) and in October, on the occasion of the anniversary of his death. 

5.His songs spoke of day-to-day problems in simple yet moving language.

The songs of Lalon aim at an indescribable reality beyond realism. He was observant of social conditions and his songs spoke of day-to-day problems in simple yet moving language.

His philosophy was expressed orally, as well as through songs and musical compositions using folk instruments that could be made from materials available at home; the ektara (one-string musical instrument) and the duggi (drum). 

6.He appropriated various philosophical positions

He appropriated various philosophical positions emanating from Hindu, Jainist, Buddhist and Islamic traditions, developing them into a coherent discourse without falling into eclecticism or syncretism. He explicitly identified himself with the Nadiya school, with Advaita Acharya, Nityananda and Chaitanya.

He was greatly influenced by the social movement initiated by Chaitanya against differences of caste, creed and religion. His songs reject any absolute standard of right and wrong and show the triviality of any attempt to divide people whether materially or spiritually.

7.Lalon founded the institute known as Lalon Akhra in Cheuriya

A photo of the institution in Bangladesh
Photo by Babul Abdul Malek

Lalon founded the institution known as Lalon Akhra in Cheuriya, about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from Kushtia railway station. His disciples dwell mostly in Bangladesh and West Bengal. The institution is one of the best in the philosophy sector and has a rich history. 

Every year on the occasion of his death anniversary, thousands of his disciples and followers assemble at Lalon Akhra and pay homage to him through celebration and discussion of his songs and philosophy for three days.In 2004, Lalon was ranked 12 in BBC’s poll of the Greatest Bengali of all time.

8.The musical tradition of Lalon is also known as Lalon Geetee

The musical tradition of Lalon is also known as Lalon Geetee, composed by Fakir Lalon Shah, a nineteenth century mystic minstrel revered by ordinary Bengali men and women as well as great poets and philosophers.

Philosophers like Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Allen Ginsberg, and Rabindranath Tagore got influenced byLalon’s view on religions. Lalon was against any kind of religious conflict and many of his songs mock identity politics that divided the world.

9.Lalon’s songs are unique

Lalon’s songs are unique not only in religious and social value, but also unique in literary and musical qualities. In highlighting the doctrine that ‘the body is the seat of all truths’ though he occasionally used metaphor and allegory in his songs, his language is spontaneous and easily intelligible.

For his extraordinary poetical talent and lucid style of expression, his songs emerged artistic with poetical fevour. Though structured within the purview of Bhatiyali and Kirtan music, Lalon’s songs represent a distinctive tune which have asserted their standing position in the trend of Bangla folk-song as ‘Baul music’.

10.He died at Chheuriya on 17th October aged 118

Tomb of Lalon Shah at Cheuriya Photo by Salim Khandoker

Lalon died at Chheuriya on 17 October 1890 at the age of 118. The news of his death was first published in the newspaper Gram Barta Prokashika, run by Kangal Harinath.Lalon was buried at the middle of his dwelling place known as his Akhra.

Researchers note that Lalon was a close friend of Kangal Harinath, one of the contemporary social reformers and a disciple of Lalon.He is remembered for all the works in the music industry and his influence in the lives of people.